Customer Reviews

A Celebration of Sex: A Guide to Enjoying God's Gift of Sexual Intimacy

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Before I found this wonderful book, I was skeptical that I would ever find a Christian sex book that I would truly appreciate. Let's face it: there are a lot of Christian sex books that put forth unrealistic opinions as biblical fact: masturbation is inherently evil, fantasy of any kind is incapable of being productive, oral sex is unnatural, and that basically any sexual satisfaction outside of intercourse is shameful and wrong.

Dr. Rosenau challenges these stereotypically "Christian" pleasure-phobic attitudes. As he writes, "I am determined that Christians reclaim God's wonderful gift of sexuality." His book is indeed a "celebration of sex." Our sexualities are a gift from God for us to enjoy and celebrate, not to deny and be ashamed of. And as long as we follow God's biblical guidelines for sexual intimacy, our marriages will be tremendously rewarded.

Naturally, the book explains the science of arousal, the menstrual cycle, birth control and so forth. It also goes into detail about enhancing intimacy by breaking down barriers of inhibitions and encourages couples to be playful and to be open to new experiences, and how sexual fantasy about one's spouse can be used to promote intimacy. He even says it is okay to be selfish at times, and how it does not contradict obedience. Entire chapters are devoted each to sexual communication, sensuous massage, mutual pleasuring, and what "making love" means to males and females.

Dr. Rosenau also covers overcoming barriers of sexual hangups. He covers the seldom heard-of topic of vaginismus, for which I am eternally grateful for. My wife and I were both virgins when we were married, and we learned the value of abstinence in a way I would not wish on anyone. Before our wedding, my wife had a rough examination from a gynecologist. She was hurt, and as a result her subconscious associated vaginal penetration with pain. Vaginismus is when psychological stress causes the muscles around the vagina to lock so tightly that it prevents penetration. At first we couldn't understand what was wrong with us, until I did some research on the net and learned that this problem had a name, and that we weren't alone. However, the only book I found on vaginismus on Amazon was out of print and unavailable. I considered her visiting a psychologist, but we just couldn't afford that. And since at the time my wife's English was not as good as it now is, the thought of finding a Christian sex psychologist in her home country was daunting. Thank God I found this book! An entire chapter covers women and painful intercourse, and through our commitment of marriage and plenty of prayer, we were comfortable and patient in overcoming this problem. We followed the steps of desensitizing and overcoming the instinctive reaction of tightening muscles. The only thing I would suggest in addition to his final steps in this is that instead of using the penis, use a cheap "personal massager" available at any Spencer gift shop to reduce stress on both partners.

So in the end, Dr. Rosenau's book was a Godsend to our marriage. Mutual masturbation was our only source of sexual intimacy for most of our first year of marriage. And while other Christian sex authors may frown upon this, Dr. Rosenau even devotes an entire chapter to this. Before our first year anniversary, we were able to experience intercourse normally and our marriage has only gotten better.

There are only a few things I disagreed with this book, such as his suggestion of petroleum jelly as a lubricant, since it is known to cause infections. Also, it is my understanding that no spermicides should ever be recommended for use, since its active ingredient, nonoxynol-9 was introduced in the United States as a floor cleaner! But in all, this book helped transform my marriage tremendously and I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It is an excellent read no matter how long you've been married, and especially for those not yet married.

This book is probably the single best evangelical marriage manual on the market, complete with explicit but tastfully done drawings and unflinching examinations of various sexual issues. The contextualizing of sex into the larger sphere of marital relationships is especially helpful; communications between husband and wife about sex or anything else can be greatly improved if one heed's Rosenau's parameters for communication.

I have used this text for both premarital and marital counseling since it was first published. It is excellently written and biblically sound. When complemented with other texts by James Dobson, Gary Smalley and Ed Wheat, it makes an unbeatable resource to help couples gain a healthy, biblical view of sexuality in marriage.

This book presents a scriptural discussion of sexual relations within the confines of marriage. Because good sex is more than just good technique, it doesn't stop there. The best possible sex comes from the best possible relationship. So this book starts by helping a couple develop the best possible relationship and then moves on to technique.

By the way, if you think the Bible is prudish when it comes to sex, then you haven't been reading your Bible. And, although this book is written from a scriptural point of view to married couples, it is anything but prudish. Prudent? Yes. Prudish? Not a chance.

At the age of 49, this is the first book I have ever read about sex and one I would buy for my daughter and son in law. I can't imagine a more open and uninhibited discussion of what is the ultimate form of communication between a husband and wife. Dr. Rosenau has removed the plain brown wrapper on this all important subject. In a day when so many marriages end tragically, I can't help but think this fine work could not help reduce the numbers. ...

Absolutely the best book I have read on this subject! Couldn't recommend it more! This is my favorite bridal shower gift, as it is a helpful tool for getting started learning about the sexual relationship and is a great resource for years into exploring the gift of sex in marriage. Doesn't hide anything, comes complete with illustrations and celebrates a proper respect for the body and sexual intimacy.

I bought this book as was recommened by my christian counselor. This book is ideal for couples to read together, if you both are willing. I appreciate the referencing of biblical bases for all chapters and suggestions. It was well worth my investment.

This book introduces couples to the Biblical call to "rejoice in the [spouse] of your youth", while tastefully helping them to creatively enhance the most intimate aspect of their relationship. What is the purpose of sex? What are the dynamics that can best promote a healthier approach to sex? Answers and much, much more.

Having grown up in a conservative Christian context, sexual activities apart from the Missionary Position were often tainted by feelings of guilt. This book helped to embrace my sexuality and get rid of my baggage of Christian frigidness.

But be warned: In this book you will be encouraged to touch yourself, to explore and play, and to - yes - actually *celebrate* sex without a guilty conscience. The book even includes hand-drawn pictures of various positions, which, though nothing extraordinary for sex guides in general, might almost be revolutionary for the conservative Christian.

The book also helped my wife and me to openly *talk* about the details of sex, about our own sexual feelings or lack thereof, etc.

For the non-religious reader, this book is possibly still too unprogressive and has too many references to an Evangelical worldview, but it's a great tool for liberating Christians from sexual legalism and undue guilt.

This has been a great book with tons of useful information so far. I really like it because it focuses not just on "sex" but on the whole sexual and marital relationship between a man and a woman and encourages you to develop as a well-rounded couple. My husband and I have gone through various parts of it as a newly married couple and appreciate the honest information and advice in various areas to assist us in cementing our bond together.